A vegan diet is defined as one that completely avoids any products derived from animals, which includes not only meat and fish but also dairy products and eggs. This dietary choice typically aims to reduce harm to animals as much as possible. While many individuals following a vegan lifestyle primarily consume whole plant-based foods, it is important to note that some may also include processed or packaged items, such as candies. Certain candies clearly contain animal-derived ingredients, such as those made with milk chocolate, cream, or various dairy-based components. On the other hand, there are candies like Skittles that are not as apparent in their ingredient composition, leading to questions about their compatibility with a vegan diet.

This article delves into the inquiry of whether Skittles can be considered vegan-friendly.

Vegan Status of Skittles

Determining whether Skittles can be classified as vegan hinges on the specific ingredients listed on the packaging. As of the year 2020, the original flavor of Skittles comprises an array of ingredients, detailed as follows:

• Sugar: The typical white sugar found in candies like Skittles is sourced from sugar cane stalks and refined into fine, white granules.
• Corn syrup: Also referred to as glucose syrup, this ingredient is derived from corn starch and serves to soften the candy, enhance volume, improve flavor, and prevent crystallization of sugar in Skittles.
• Hydrogenated palm kernel oil: This vegetable oil is extracted from the kernel of the oil palm plant Elaeis guineensis and is utilized in candies to enrich flavor and texture.
• Citric acid: Found naturally in citrus fruits, a synthetic version of citric acid is incorporated into candies to boost acidity, enhance flavor, and preserve the other ingredients.
• Tapioca dextrin: This starch extract, obtained from the yucca plant or cassava root (known as sabudana in India), is used as a binding agent for the candy coating and to maintain flavor and color.
• Modified corn starch: Derived from corn, this emulsifier and gelling agent contributes to the chewy texture of Skittles.
• Natural and artificial flavors: While the specifics of these flavors are often proprietary, it is reasonable to assume that the fruit-based flavors in Skittles are sourced from either natural fruit or synthetically produced to replicate fruity tastes.
• Colors: Skittles utilize a variety of color additives such as Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, and Blue 1 Lake, which are derived from petroleum-based raw materials.
• Sodium citrate: This sodium salt of citric acid functions as a preservative and imparts a tangy flavor.
• Carnauba wax: Sourced from the wax of the leaves of the palm plant Copernicia prunifera, this ingredient helps maintain a shiny coating and prevents melting in candies.

Other varieties of Skittles, including sour, tropical, and wild berry, feature similar ingredients, although the natural and artificial flavorings and colors may vary slightly. It is important to note that limited edition flavors could potentially include animal-derived ingredients that are not present in the standard varieties, making it essential to check the ingredient list carefully. Until around 2010, Skittles contained gelatin, which is not considered vegan as it is sourced from animal collagen, providing a chewy, gel-like texture in foods. However, the manufacturer has since eliminated gelatin from the recipe.

Moreover, until 2015, Skittles produced in the United Kingdom contained carmine (E120 or cochineal), a red dye derived from the Dactylopius coccus beetle. While current Skittles do not include any animal-derived ingredients, those following a vegan diet might still raise concerns about the use of white sugar.

This concern stems from the possibility that refined cane sugar might be processed using animal bone char to eliminate impurities and achieve its white color. Despite this, the final sugar product does not contain animal traces. Nonetheless, confirming whether bone char was utilized is challenging unless the product is certified organic, as bone char is absent from the National Organic Program’s National List of approved substances.

In conclusion, mainstream varieties of Skittles are devoid of any animal-derived ingredients; however, it is advisable to scrutinize the labels of special edition varieties for any unusual ingredients that might not be present in the original versions.

Recommendations

For individuals following a vegan lifestyle, concerns may arise regarding the consumption of cane sugar that lacks vegan certification. However, it's reassuring to note that Skittles do not incorporate any ingredients derived from animals. The flavorings, colorings, thickeners, sweeteners, and other components utilized in the production of Skittles are predominantly synthetically manufactured or extracted from plant sources. This aligns with the essential principles of veganism, confirming that the standard Skittles varieties are indeed compatible with a vegan diet. To ensure complete peace of mind, it is always wise to examine the ingredient list for any animal-derived substances, especially if you are strictly avoiding them. Rest assured, the primary varieties of Skittles are free from animal-derived ingredients, making them a suitable choice within a vegan dietary framework.

The Final Verdict

As of 2020, all popular varieties of Skittles are devoid of animal-derived components, with only minor differences in color and flavor additives. However, it's important to note that the cane sugar utilized in Skittles may have undergone processing involving animal bone char. Although the finished product is free from any animal traces, this aspect might deter some vegans from choosing to consume them. To ensure that your Skittles are indeed vegan-friendly, it's advisable to carefully check the ingredient label, particularly since limited edition flavors might incorporate ingredients that are not present in the standard varieties.